How to prepare General Studies - 4 (Ethics Aptitude
and Integrity)
[Link]/how-to-prepare-gs-4-ethics-aptitude-and-integrity
1/6
The UPSC provides a basic instruction on which you should focus:
“The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues,
and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio‐ economic goals, objectives
and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.”
Learn the syllabus -The keywords in the syllabus of Ethics should be learnt by heart so
that you can use them in your answers.
GS Paper-4, titled Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude, was introduced as part of mains syllabus
reforms from civil services examination, 2013. Question paper will be based on theory and
case studies.
The GS-4 paper is subdivided into two sections Section A and Section B. Each section
values 125 marks.
Sections A includes theoretical questions which are generally of the applied kind.
Section B consists of case studies.
The paper lays emphasis on keywords, self-awareness and candidate's ability to
balance between productivity at work and personal-professional ethics.
The preparation of this paper also helps in the Essay paper.
The roadmap for preparation:
Avoid reading many books on the same topic. Read at least twice before making
notes. Notes will help in memorising the keywords. Use these keywords in writing
answers in mock tests.
Read previous year papers and make notes on frequently asked keywords.
Examples are the heart of answer writing in Ethics paper. Note examples from
current affairs to substantiate your answers.
2/6
Draw diagrams about concepts in Ethics which make your answers unique.
How to start the preparation?
Try to write the definition of the keywords mentioned in the syllabus in minimum
and simplest words. It will develop your command over them.
Relate those keywords with your personal experiences [Link] can cite a personal
experience about the keywords. You can also relate them to real life examples from
social reformers, civil servants like Ashok Khmeka etc.
Use the case studies as a hypothetical example while writing your answers. It will
help you when you cannot find a suitable example for the values/keywords asked in
questions.
Answer Writing format for Section A- Theoretical questions
Answer Writing format for Section B- Case Studies
3/6
Books and internet links to be read
G. Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chowdhury’s Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil
Services Main Examination (Paper - 5)
Lexicon for ethics, Integrity, and aptitude
NCERT Psychology book Class XI & XII: Selected chapters.
Harvard lectures by Michael Sandel
Ethics and Human Interface
Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions
Dimensions of ethics
[Link]
Ua7AAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
Ethics in private and public relationships
Refer to [Link]
For Human Interface
Refer to [Link]
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and
administrators
Take the help of the internet, Wikipedia.
4/6
Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
[Link]
[Link]
Attitude
Structure and Function
[Link] of
Attitude/content/downloads/[Link]
Its influence and relation with thought and behavior
[Link]
[Link]
Moral and political attitudes
[Link]
al_Attitudes_The_Case_of_Attitude_Heritability
Social influence and Persuasion
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service
Integrity
Refer to [Link]
Impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service,
empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections
Refer to second ARC report
Emotional intelligence
Concepts, the utilities and application in administration and governance
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration
Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
Accountability and ethical governance
[Link]
content/uploads/2019/05/2011_2_PL_Effectiveness_of_Good_Governance_and
_Ethics_in_Central_Administrations.pdf
Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
[Link]
content/uploads/2019/05/2011_2_PL_Effectiveness_of_Good_Governance_and
_Ethics_in_Central_Administrations.pdf
Ethical issues in international relations and funding
[Link]
Corporate governance
[Link]
An_Ethical_Perspective
5/6
Probity in Governance
Concept of Public Service
[Link] in [Link]
Philosophical basis of governance and probity, Informations sharing and
transparency in government- Right to information
[Link] in [Link]
Code of Ethics
Refer to [Link]
Code of conduct
Refer to [Link]
[Link]
dpadm/[Link]
6/6
